Gerald Emanuel Boman was born in Forest City, Iowa on November 2, 1935, the son of Harold Emanuel Boman and Emma Louise Steiff Boman.  He grew up on the family farm west of Forest City and graduated from Forest City High School.  Following graduation, Mr Boman attended Waldorf College.

On November 23, 1955 Mr. Boman married his high school sweetheart Mary Jo Hanson and the couple began their farm life together west of Forest City.  He actively farmed from 1952 until 1959.

In the winter of 1959, Mr. Boman joined his father-in-law, John K Hanson at the inception of Winnebago Industries, beginning  a 45-year career.  As a founder and one of the first employees, Mr Boman was a key player in the formation and success of the new company.  He began on the production line and was quickly promoted to Production Manager in 1960, Vice-President of Manufacturing and Board of Directors in 1962, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors in 1975.  He became Senior Vice-President in 1977 and was an active member of the Winnebago Industries Board of Directors until his retirement in 2010.

During his tenure at Winnebago, Mr Boman oversaw motorhome and travel trailer lines and was often given exciting new production challenges:  a flying helicopter camper, grain trailers, modular housing, and people-mover trams for Universal Studios.  A natural leader, he was a people person who knew no strangers and this served him well in all his endeavors.

Mr Boman founded the Winnebago International Travelers Club (now Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club) and traveled extensively both as a part of the club and privately.

He earned his private pilots license at the age of 16 and served as the first corporate pilot for  Winnebago Industries.  Mr Boman served as Chairman of the Forest City Airport Commission and was a life-long member of the North Iowa Flying Club.

Among Mr Boman's leadership roles were the Iowa Manufacturer's Association Board (Chairman and Board member), Bethel University Board of Regents (St Paul, MN) and the Southern Baptist Annuity Board.  He was a deacon, trustee and choir member in his home church of First Baptist in Forest City, Iowa and sang in the choirs of Palm City Presbyterian Church and First Baptist Church, Stuart.

Mr Boman's love of God and others led him to embrace many ministries throughout his life-time, most especially Compassion International and Gideon's International.

Mr Boman was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Emma Boman, Forest City, Iowa, a sister, Gretchen Ann Boman Waldemar of Hesperia, California and many aunts and uncles.  He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Mary Jo Boman, Palm City, FL/Forest City, IA, a daughter Janet Coe (Rob) of Mukilteo, WA, a son Greg (Becky) of Castle Rock, Colorado, a sister Sue Messer (John) of Littleton, Colorado, five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A funeral service for Mr Boman will held on Monday, June 25 at 11:00am, Palm City Presbyterian Church, 2700 SW Martin Highway, Palm City, Florida.  Memorial gifts may be given in memory of Mr Boman to Pine Lake Christian Camp, Eldora, Iowa or Compassion International.

Pine Lake Christian Camp:  pinelakecamps.org

Compassion International: compassion.com

Arrangements are entrusted to Forest Hills Funeral Home Palm City.